State House Passes Legislation to Revamp PA Stroke Center Law

October 26, 2016

By a vote of 192-0, the state House passed legislation sponsored by state Representative Ryan Mackenzie (R-Lehigh) that would make key changes to Act 54 of 2012, currently referred to as the Primary Stroke Center Recognition Act.

Establish the process to be used to recognize each facility designation

Call on the Department of Health to make location and other information regarding each facility designation available

Require the Department of Health to ensure proper protocols related to the treatment of stroke patients

Provide for a biennial report to be conducted to identify any changes in the number or location of each facility designation

Prior to introducing House Bill 2350, Representative Mackenzie worked extensively with the hospital community and other stakeholders on the core provisions of the legislation. HAP commends Representative Mackenzie for his excellent work to solicit hospital input, and HAP supports the bill.

While there are not sufficient session days remaining for House Bill 2350 to get to the Governor for his signature this year, HAP expects the legislation to be re-introduced early during 2017.